Kristoff 4th in Andalucia, Gaviria 5th in Giro d’Italia

Fernando Gaviria hit out early in the sprint for the line to finish 5th on stage 13 of the Giro d’Italia from Ravenna to Verona (198km).

Gaviria suffered misfortune inside the final kilometre where he had some mechanical trouble and lost his saddle, forcing him to complete the final metres in a less than ideal sprinting position.

The Colombian adapted well to the situation, maintaining his composure and adjusting to the situation : hitting out of the bunch with a burst of speed to close the gap to Edoardo Affini (Jumbo-Visma) who held a sizeable gap.

On the flattest road stage of the race it was Giacomo Nizzolo (Qhubeka-Assos) who claimed the spoils with Gaviria just behind in 5th.

Gaviria: “It was one of the longest kilometres of my life! Unfortunately I had a mechanical at the wrong time but I managed to make the best of it for a good sprint. I had to go from a long way out. I’m already thinking about the next sprint and hungry for a win at this Giro.”

Tomorrow Stage 14 from Cittadella to Monte Zoncolan (205km) will be highly decisive in the General Classification, though will also see a separate fight for the breakaway to target the stage win where UAE Team Emirates will aim to be in the mix.

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Meanwhile at Vuelta a Andalucia, Alexander Kristoff sprinted to take 4th place on the flat run-in to Stage 4 from Baza to Cullar Vega (182.9).

Kristoff: “We did quite well, Trentin brought me to the final corner in the best position.It was a very tight finish and it was hard to pass but also Greipel had a lot of speed. I’m a bit disappointed as I wanted to fight for the win today but at least I know the condition is good and I’m keen to push for a victory very soon.”

Tomorrow the race concludes on a short, sharp Stage 5 from Vera to Pulpí (107km).

Giro d’Italia Stage 13 results
1.Giacomo Nizzolo (Qhubeka-Assos) 4:42:19
2.Edoardo Affini (Jumbo-Visma) s.t
3. Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) s.t
5.Fernando Gaviria (UAE Team Emirates) s.t

 
Giro d’Italia General Classification after stage 13
1.Egan Bernal (Ineos-Grenadiers) 53:11:42
2. Aleksandr Vlasov (Astana) +45’’
3.Damiano Caruso (Bahrain-Victorious) +1’12’’
18. Davide Formolo (UAE Team Emirates) +7’16’’

Vuelta Andalucia Stage 4 results
1.Andre Greipel (Israel Start Up Nation) 4:37:12
2.Alvaro Jose Hodeg (Deceuninck-Quickstep) s.t
3.Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo) s.t
4.Alexander Kristoff (UAE Team Emirates) s.t

Vuelta Andalucia General Classification after stage 4
1. Miguel Angel Lopez (Movistar) 18:39:43
2.Antwan Toelhoek (Jumbo-Visma) +20’’
3.Julen Amezqueta (Caja-Rural) +55’’
13. Ryan Gibbons (UAE Team Emirates) 3’03’’